Eye-protector.



Patented Oct. 2,1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET l INVENTOR 4PEOR9 H. DA Y m m U A G. 1."!JAY.

EYK PROTECTOR.

APPLICATION HLED DEC.I9.19H.

450/94, H- DAY WITNESSES: Fl, M/Ew 6m A TTORHEKS satisfactorily hold in said adjusted posi- STA ES OFFICE.

GEORGE H. DAY, OF SOUTI-IBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN OPTICAL COMPANY, OF SOUTHBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, A VOLUNTARY ASSO- CIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

EYE-PROTECTOR.

Application filed December 19, 1914.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Gnonen H. DAY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Southbridge, in 'the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Eye-Protectors, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in eye protectors, and has particular reference to a form of sanitary protector adapted for use in the trade.

One of the objects of this invention is the provision of an improved construction of bridge for goggles of this character, which shall be readily manually adjustable to correctly fit difierent sizes and styles of faces, and which shall be so braced as to tion.

A further obiect of the invention is the provision of a goggle bridge or frame connecting portion of this character which shall be so constructed as to permit of horizontal separation of the lens frames without variance of the position of. the centers thereof relative to the bridge.

Another object of this invention is the provision in a goggle of the character above set forth, of improved means for engaging the nose to support a portion of the weight of the goggle or eye protector, which means will serve to satisfactorily and properly engage the nose irrespective of the relative adjustment of the lenses.

Among other objects of the invention are the provision of an improved eye protector which shall be strengthened throughout to better withstand rough usage. which shall be simple, inexpensive and durable of construction, in which the relative adjustment of the lenses and retaining frames therefor will in nowise interfere with the proper relationship of the temples to the face of the wearer, to provide improved means for securing the lenses in position within the frames, and in general to simplify and increase the'elliciencv of devices of this nature. It will be understood that I have shown in the drawings only certain illus-. trative embodiments of the generic principles of my invention. and that I may make any modification in the specific details of construction shown and described within Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917. Serial No. 878,178.

the scope of the appended claims without departlngfrom or exceeding the spirit of this invention.

Figure I represents a perspective view illustrating one form of eye protector.

Fig. II represents a similar view of another form thereof.

Fig. III represents a view of a modification of Fig. II.

Fig. IV represents a view of an eye protector embodying a slightly different construction of bridge and nose rest.

Fig. V represents a detailed view of the. bridge shown in Fig. IV equipped with a different style of guard.

Fig. VI represents a perspective View of a further modification of bridge.

Fig. VII illustrates an extreme adjustment of this type of bridge.

Fig. VIII represents a view of an eye protector having a bridge adapted for a maximum degree of adjustment.

Fig. IX represents a semi-diagrammatic View illustrating an adjustment of Fig. VIII.

Fig. X represents a view of another simpler form of bridge.

Fig. XI represents a view of an adjustment thereof.

Fig. XII represents a perspective view of another form of this invention.

Fig. XIII represents a view of a slight modification of Fig. XII, with a nose bearing member applied thereto.

In the drawings, in which similar characters of reference are employed to denote corresponding parts throughout the several views, the numeral 1 designates the frame portion, which serves to retain in position a lens 2. In that form of the invention illus trated in Fig. I, the frame is shown as formed from a single piece of material having near one end the substantially triangular shield portion 3 having a central bracebar 4, and having the end piece 5 for the temples 6 secured to the apex of the triangle. To facilitate insertion and removal of the lenses, in this form of construction there is shown disposed at a suitable point around the periphery of the frame, the ears 7, connected by a screw 8, which may be loosened when desired to remove or replace one of the lenses 3. A slight modification of this style of frame is indicated in Figs.

slight III and IV, in which in place of a groove 9 to receive the lens, the frame 1 is shown as provided at the front thereof with the inturned flange 10 and as having stamped therefrom the ears 11, for engagement w1th the opposite face of the lens, the frame being split at 12 adjacent the ears 7, which in this instance are shown as dlsposed 1n alinement with the brace bar 4.

In Sheet 2 of the drawing I have illustrated a more conventional type of eye protector, in which the frame 1 is separate from the shield 3,-the shield 3 being preferably pivoted to the frame 1 to facilitate holding thereof.

Referring specifically to the bridge construction, by which suitable relative ad ustment of the lenses is attained, in Fig. 1, I have illustrated the bridge or lens connecting member as formedvfrom a single piece of material which is secured as at 19 to one of the frames 1. From this point{ of attach ment it extends substantially horizontally toward the opposite frame and is bent to extend downward therealong a distance in the portion 15, which portion 15, however, is entirely free of attachment to the opposite frame. It is then curved in the ordinary bridge portion'16, the junction of the portions 15 and 16being soldered or otherwise suitably secured to the adjacent frame 1. Likewise the opposite end of the bridge at its junction with the upwardly extending portion 17 of the material is secured to the frame from which the material was originally soldered. The portion 17 extends upward substantially to the point 19, when it extends in a horizontal direction parallel to the portion 14 in a second portion 18, hav ing its terminal end secured to the second frame or the one opposite from the one having the point 19, as at the point 20.

This general form of construction is to be found in Figs. I, to V inclusive, while a slight variation of the same in a two piece construction eliminating the bridging member 16 is shown in Figs. X and XI. One of the essential features present in this type of construction is the employment of two angle members, indicated for purposes of comparison in all of the views just listed respectively by the numerals 14 and 15, and the numerals 17 and 18. The adjustment here attained will probably be best understood by a comparison of Figs. X and XI, from which it will be seen that when desired toopen out the protectors to accommodate a wider face this adjustment can be accomplished by a direct separating pull. The effect of this pull is to straighten out the two angle members just referred to. as is best indicated in Fig. XI. A comparison of this figure with Fig. X will show that the centers of the lenses and the position of the end pieces 5 have not been varied although the lenses have been considerably separated. This is possible on account of the presence of the two angle members, since an equal spacing of each causes a parallel movement of the parts like that accomplished by a lazy tong arrangement.

In Fig. 1, the portion 16 is in the form of a sharp arch to permit of straightening and expanding thereof as the lenses are relatively adjusted. Centrally secured to the arch 16 to remain in position intermediate the lenses irrespective of their adjustment, is the looped post 21, bearing at its lower end the nose rest 22 for engaging the crest of the nose of the wearer, the loop in the post 21 permitting of ready adjustment of the position of the post according to the shape of the nose and to compensate for the movement of the arch 16 occasioned by the adjustment of the lenses. In Fig. II, in place of employing a nose rest such as 22, the portion16 has been shown more in the form of a V providing the angle or point at which the adjustment can be most readily made, while the frames are stamped or rolled to form the nose engaging portion 23, which are of such extent as to satisfactorily engage the sides of the nose when the protector is properly adjusted. I

Fig. III shows the portion 16 in arched form and flattened to make a regular bridge member, this being particularly adapted for lighter types of construction, in which a wide guard or nose bearing member such as 22 or 23 is not necessary. 1

Figs. IV and V illustrate two forms in which ordinary eyeglass orspectacle guards ""-a re employed, in Fig. IV these guards being pivoted directly to the portion 16 to automatic'al-ly adjust themselves to engage the side of the nose, while in Fig. V there is shown as mounted on the portion 16 the sleeve 24 which may be locked in adjusted position thereon by the stud screw 25, the guards 26 being pivoted to the sleeve 24, whereby the sleeve may be moved along the member 16 to bring the guards into correct relationship with the nose while the guards swinging on their pivotal connections to the sleeve will automatically adapt themselves to the particular configuration of the individual nose on which they rest.

In Figs. VI and VII, is illustrated a' slightly simpler construction than that just described, in that this form employs merely the arched member 16 and the cross piece 27 the arched member being more pronouncedly arched than in the forms just described, and bearing if desired the post 21 and nose rest 22 secured to the center thereof, while the member 27 in place of extending horizontally as in the other forms, is made in the form of a V with its point or apex but slightly above the nose rest 22. In

this form straightening of the members 16 and 27 permits of any desired separation of the lenses, even to the pronounced degree illustrated in Fig. VII, without disturbing the other adjustments of the lenses.

Fig. VIII and Fig. IX illustrate a form similar in general respects to Figs. VI and VII, but capable of the widest range of adjustment to fit any face, irrespective of the size thereof. This is attained by forming in the member 27 the coil 28 and in the member 16 the coil 29.

The amount of adjustment of the lenses in this form is, therefore, controlled by the size of the coil, a partial adjustment being indicated in Fig. IX, and it being understood that the limit of adjustment is that opening for separation of the lenses by which the members 16 and 27 are reduced to substantially a straight line having a knot therein rather than a coil, while on the other hand, by increasing the size of the coil the frames may be moved substantially into contact, one with the other, if desired. This form is also provided with the post 21 and nose rest '22, as being the most acceptable form for relieving the nose of the weight of the mounting, which may be employed in connection with this wide range of adjust ment, it being understood, however, that guards such as shown in Fig. II or in Fig: V, may be used if preferred, according to the dictates of the individual wearer.

In Fig. XII, a construction is illustrated having but a limited range of adjustment as shown, since the members 16 and 27 are provided with no pronounced coil or bend, but are merely gracefully arched, straightening of the arches controlling the relative position. In this form is illustrated a slightly modified construction of guard which consists in a rolled piece of metal 30 having the flange or base portion 31 resting against the frame 1 and secured in position by rivets 32, it being noted that the spacing of the portion 30 from the frame provides a channel as at 33 which will serve to conduct away any perspiration flowing down the face and sides of the nose rather than allowing the same to come into contact with the lenses, as might occur were no guards present.

Fig. XIII illustrates a structure somewhat in the nature of Fig. XII, but capable of more adjustment on account of the pronounced loop 34 in both the members 16 and 27, a pad 35 being slidably retained on the member 10 by means of the yoke 36, the loop 3 L intermediate the yoke 36 preventing too great lateral movement of the bearing member 35, which is thus substantially centcred and retained in correct position by the said loop 3-1.

Particular attention is invited to the fact that in the forms of construction illustrated in Figs. III and IV for example, the punching or stamping out of the tongues or ears 11 to retain the lens 2 in position at the same time provide ventilation apertures immediately adjacent the lens tending to keep an even temperature on both sides of the lens and thus to reduce as far as possible the liability of steaming of the lenses. Similar apertures have been shown as provided in certain of the other forms tending to attain the same result.

Attention is also invited to the fact that in the structure as shown in Fig. I, for example, the brace bars 4 serve to render the shield 3 extremely rigid and reduce to a minimum liability of breakage or cracking thereof, while at the same time affording a firm hold for the end piece 5 and permitting of the use of a relatively short temple member having its pressure applied at a point to firmly hold the shield or cup in engagement with the face, which cannot be as satisfactorily attained by the use of templcs attached as in Fig. II, for example, and at the same time applying the hold of the temple at a point where a less pressure behind the ear will serve to more satisfac; torily retain the protector in correct position and prevent any tilting or other disarrangement of its position.

The equipment of these improved eye protectors with prescription lenses is rendered possible on account of the fact that the lenses are capable of straight horizontal adjustment without disturbing the axis of either of the lenses, while in the ordinary manually adjustable types of protectors previously employed, this adjustment has been attained primarily by a rotative movement which would tend to disturb the position of the axis of the lens.

Attention is also invited to the fact that in the various forms of construction shown an extremely rigid while adjustable protcctor is provided, in that there are four points of attachment of the bridge or connecting member; that is, two separate points on each frame are connected with two points on the opposite frame, in certair of the forms there being three transversely extending parts, as in Fig. I, where we have the parts 14, 16 and 18 all passing between the lenses, or in Fig. VI, for example, where we have two crossing parts which are further disposed as to contact one with the other in the center and further brace the frames against any relative twisting movement. It is thus necessary to laterally twis at least two separate parts to get the lenses out of alinement one with the other, if desired to further resist this tilting movement one or more of the connecting pieces being made of {lattenml material, as is the bridge, for instance, in Fig. III, or the complete connecting member may be made of fiat material with its greater diameter extended from front to rear, so that relative separation of the lenses may be readily accomplished, while either twisting or bending to get the lenses out of ahnement 1s resisted to a maximum.

I claim:

1. In an eye protector, the combination with a pair of lens retaining frames, of members connecting the frames, said members having one end secured to each of the frames, and having a bent portion intermediate their ends adapted to be straightened upon separation of the frames, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. An eye protector of the character described, comprising a pair of lens retaining frames, and a unitary deviceconnecting the frames, and consisting of a pair of parallel portions each having an end connected to one of the frames, said portions having a depending member at its free end, the termini of the depending members being secured to the opposite frame from that at which the ends of the parallel members are attached, and an arched portion integral with the depending members and connecting the same below their points of attachment to the frames. I

3. A bridge for a device of the character described, comprising a pair of angle members oppositely disposed and each having one end secured to one of the lens frames member, and supplemental diagonally ar-- ranged pliable members connected at their ends to the'opposite lens frame and intermediately crossing each other, substantially as and for the purpose described.

6. The combination with a pair of lens frames of a pair of members each having its termini secured to the lens frames the length of the free portion of each of said members being purposely made considerably in excess of the distance between the two lens frames by the way of the nose and portions at least of said members being out of engagement with the nose whereby the distance between the frames may be adjusted by bending of the connecting members without disturbing the fit of the mounting on the face, substantially as described.

7. The combination with a pair of lens engaging frames, means for retaining the frames in position secured to the outer portions thereof, and means for connecting the frames, said connecting means comprising.

disposed pliable connecting members having their ends secured to the two-lens frames whereby corresponding adjustment of each of the similar connecting members will serve to vary the distance between the lens frames without varying the relative position of the normal horizontal axes thereof.

9. The combination with a pair of lens frames, of pliable members connecting the frames, said members having an initial deflection therein, whereby compression or pull will advance or withdraw-the lens frames horizontally toward or away from each other through variance of the said deflection of the members, substantially as illustrated.

10. The combination with a single lens frame for each eye of the wearer, of means connecting the pair of frames, including. a pair of similar but oppositely disposed members, said members centrally crossing or overlying each other and having their termini secured to the opposite frames, the length of said members being greater than the distance between the frames by way of the nose, whereby the direct distance between the frames may be horizontally adjusted by bending of the members.

i In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE H. DAY. Witnesses:

EDITH M. HALVORSEN, JosnrH J. DEMERs. 

